English Open F3F

19 - 20 August 2017

Plastic Fantastic at Whitesheet Hill

The English Open is now firmly established as a major event in the UK F3F calendar. This year's entry consisted of 26 pilots, including Erik Heijne of Holland who was our first overseas competitor. It also saw the return of Mark Passingham after a long layoff from F3F, as well as one or two newer and very welcome faces.

The comp took place on the main SW bowl of Whitesheet Hill. Unfortunately the wind on Saturday was more W than SW, resulting in some vicious turbulence especially during the early rounds. This led to a wide variation in times and at least two prangs, one involving the Drops of eventual winner John Phillips. Undeterred, John wheeled out his Pike Precision, notching up 43.14 in round 7 which was to remain the fastest time of the competition.

Conditions were more consistent on Sunday. Five rounds were flown before the competition was cut short in the face of an advancing storm.

With a total of 12 rounds flown, John Phillips was the well deserved winner flying his Drops and Pike Precision. Tony Livingstone was runner up with a Jedi Lift, and Mark Treble third with his Toxic.

Although the comp was not blessed with the greatest conditions, it was still a lot of fun. Several pilots attended the evening meal and a raffle at the George Inn. Huge thanks to Stu Wallace, all helpers, CDs, and to chief sponsor Peter Payne of Southcoast Sailplanes who made the journey to award the trophies and raffle prizes. Roll on 2018!